"One of Northern California's largest polluters may be trying to orchestrate a last-minute deal with Sacramento lawmakers to evade state environmental laws, potentially increasing its toxic emissions and skirting two court rulings.

For five years, Chevron has been trying to rebuild and upgrade its Richmond refinery in Contra Costa County. But environmental and community groups sued, arguing that the company was concealing plans to process heavier grades of crude oil, which can increase pollution.

A judge agreed last year, halting the construction work. In April, the state First District Court of Appeal also ruled against Chevron, saying the company's environmental impact report is 'inconsistent and obscure' and fails to clearly tell the public how the project would affect refinery emissions."

Paul Rogers reports for the San Jose Mercury News September 6, 2010. [2]